Lady Edith ditches her corset for belly laughs

LAURA CARMICHAEL found fame as Lady Edith in period drama Downton Abbey, but claims she performs more convincingly when not forced to wear stuffy corsets.

‘There have been some rare times in my life when I can do a scene where I’m just wearing some pyjamas in bed, and I’m like: “Oh, my God, this is the best acting that I’ve ever done because I’m so comfortable,” ’ admits the 32‑year‑old.

‘I could do a cop drama next, or a comedy would be so nice. I’d like to laugh; I do a lot of crying. I’m up for a giggle in jeans.’